Brad Jones 6.5/10 - Untroubled for nearly the entire match. Truly forced into action just twice, both times late on by Andreas Bouchalakis. First palmed away a screamer from the Greek midfielder, then came tearing off his line to thwart Bouchalakis in a one-on-one situation.

Glen Johnson 6/10 - Combined well with Sterling down the right, but often lacked an end production promising positions. Caught out of position several times by Gevorg Ghazaryan in defence.

Martin Skrtel 7.5/10 - Unquestionably Liverpool’s best defender on the day. Bullied the opposition attack with his physicality. Made several crucial interceptions to keep Olympiacos from in slipping behind the back line on the counter.

Kolo Toure 6/10 - Not the most assured performance from the veteran Ivorian, too often relying on help from Skrtel. Looked uncomfortable in possession and was beaten in the air on a number of occasions.

Jose Enrique 6/10 - A positive 45 minutes of action as he continues the journey back from an extended injury lay-off. Slow to get back on defence - understandable considering his lack of fitness at present - but didn’t lack commitment by any stretch.

Jordan Henderson 6.5/10 - Ran from the opening whistle to the final blast from the referee in typical style. Covered the most ground of any player on the pitch. Joined Skrtel and Jones as one of only three Liverpool players to go the full 90 minutes.

Steven Gerrard 6/10 - Provided a lovely ball Sturridge to fortuitously create the only goal of the game. Relatively quiet after that, facilitating possession in midfield. Visibly tired in the second half and came off for Lucas Leiva.

Emre Can 6.5/10 - Looked every bit a capable box-to-box operator in the first half, aiding Gerrard in defensive duties and getting forward to support Markovic whenever possible.

Raheem Sterling 7.5/10 - Got his goal early with in intelligent bit of improvisation on the end of Sturridge’s deflected effort. Energetic per usual and gave Eric Abidal plenty to think about with his marauding runs down the flank.

Daniel Sturridge 7/10 - Perhaps fortunate to pick up an assist, but did an excellent holding the ball up and allowing Sterling and Markovic to play off him in the first half. Less effective after the break, but was in truth somewhat starved for service.

Lazar Markovic 7/10 - Turned in an encouraging 45 minute shift. Went on several trademark mazy runs, leaving defenders in his wake. Did brilliantly to beat a pair of defenders and burst in alone on goal at one point, but agonisingly fired wide of the mark.

Substitutes

Philippe Coutinho (46’ for Markovic) 6.5/10 - Always willing to take on his man, running at defenders with the ball at every opportunity. However, was slightly wasteful when picking his passes in the final third.

Joe Allen (46’ for Can) 6/10 - Sparked several promising counter attacks, but was also guilty of conceding possession three times in Liverpool’s half. Missed a golden chance in second half stoppages. A mixed bag for the Welshman.

Jack Robinson (46’ for Jose Enrique) 6/10 - Solid, if unspectacular from the youngster. Played a relatively mistake-free half of football.

Sebastian Coates (62’ for Toure) 5.5/10 - Looked slightly rusty after his encouraging performance against Roma. Needed help from Jones when he failed to contain Bouchalakis following a Lucas Leiva error.

Martin Kelly (62’ for Johnson) 6/10 - Hesitant to get forward, but kept things under control on the defensive front.

Lucas Leiva (62’ for Gerrard) 5/10 - Initially had a positive impact after coming on. However, later allowed himself to be dispossessed in dangerous areas and was guilty of some sloppy passing.

Rickie Lambert (75’ for Sturridge) 6/10 - Had a half-chance just moments after coming on, forcing a save out of Balasz Megyeri with a solid strike on the volley from distance.

Jordon Ibe (75’ for Sterling) 6.5/10 - Despite playing just 15 minutes, made a plethora of runs off the ball in an effort to have an impact. Surged upfield on the counter with just moments to go and eluded his man to set up Allen just six yards from goal.

Ian Capasso

Ian is a freelance football journalist based in Boston, USA who fell in love with the game upon first watching Francesco Totti work his magic on the ball. After earning a degree in Politics and History from Brandeis University, he turned his attention towards the world of football journalism and is now a regular contributor to Goal.com, Squawka, Rant Sports, and Soccer Newsday in addition to his work with HITC Sport.